Week one is in the books!  It was sooooo lovely to meet this class of amazing students.  Mrs. Shortridge and I are very excited to spend the year teaching them and learning together!

Each week we will send a blog update (usually on the weekend) and you’ll notice that they will follow a very similar format.  I will often give you a snapshot of what we’ve been up to, let you know of any announcements or upcoming events, add a calendar of the month and I will try my best to add photos for you to enjoy.

Here’s a snapshot of what we did this week:

• spent some time getting to know each other through a fun activity using toilet paper
• discussed our one class rule (respect) and how it can be applied to our classroom
• applied for and received their first classroom job
• focused our morning devotions on giving our worries and anxieties to God
• used candies to demonstrate our Math learning
• made some art to beautify our classroom
• explored patterns around us
• Started learning about ‘triple scoop words’
• reviewed Canadian geography

A Few Announcements & Things Coming Up:

Chromebook Acceptable Use:  The IT department is asking each family to fill out an acceptable use policy for the chromebooks we use in our classroom. Please fill this out as soon as possible.  http://link.highroadacademy.com/chromebook/

Welcome Back BBQ on Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:30

Individual Photos on Tuesday:  On Tuesday students will be getting individual photos taken.

After School Supervision: Friendly reminder: Staff supervision is from 2:45-3:00 PM. Please pick up your students promptly after school as this allows staff to collaborate, continue planning and preparing, and engage in extracurricular activities. If your student has after-school athletics starting after 3:00 PM, please collect them at 3:00 PM and bring them back for their activity. Students with siblings participating in athletics must be picked up by 3:00 PM as coaches cannot supervise additional students. Thank you for your cooperation.

Reading Challenge:  We have started a ‘reading challenge’ in our classroom.  I have challenged the students to a game of ‘beat the teacher’.  Students have until October 10th to read as many chapter books as possible.  For this first challenge I have allowed students to read graphic novels and any chapter books of their choosing.  On October 10th we will reveal how many books we have completed, and any student who has read more books than I have will win a slurpee!  If your child completes a book at home, please put a quick note in their planner or on a piece of paper to verify it’s been read.  I am asking students a question about the book to ensure they’ve read it – you are welcome to do the same!

Class Economy Treats:  We are starting to collect treats for our classroom store.  I have a couple of items purchased but the store is mainly stocked by families.  As Halloween treats are out right now, a box of some treat would be very appreciated.  Many students go through their toys and find things they don’t use anymore – those make great store items (books, stickers, small stuffies, craft items etc.). Any donations will be greatly appreciated.

Lindeman Lake Field Trip:  On Wednesday, September 20th the Grade 5 & 6 classes will be heading to Lindeman Lake.  We plan to leave the school at 9:45 and be back by 2:30.  If you would like to join us then please meet us at the trailhead by 10:30.  Students should pack a bag lunch and bring a backpack.

School Supplies:  We have some missing school supplies, including Bibles.  Please have all supplies at school by next Friday.

PE:. We have PE last block on Fridays and students are wearing their knight’s gear.  We have decided they will NOT change for PE on Fridays and will stay in their knight’s wear.

September Calendar

Tuesday, Sept 12th – School photos

Wednesday, September 13th – Welcome Back BBQ

Friday, September 29th – Orange Shirt Day

Monday, October 2nd – Truth & Reconciliation Day (no school)

First Week Video…enjoy!

The first day of school we talked about first day of school worries or anxieties.  Our verse for the day of Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  We then wrote down things we may be worried about on a piece of paper, prayed over our worries, ripped them up and put them into a jar.  We then each took some ‘worry confetti’ and tossed it into the year, claiming a ‘happy school year’.

A few photos from this week: